topic Re: How to select random points from an existing point feature layer AND assign a minimum distance for the random points? in Data Management Questions

How to select random points from an existing point feature layer AND assign a minimum distance for the random points?

AlexisChavez — Fri, 15 May 2020 18:22:03 GMT

This is the link with the python code (script 2) I have been using to select random point features based on counts: https://support.esri.com/en/technical-article/000013141

I need to somehow select the points with a minimum distance. I have tried looking up the python code for the minimum distance code but it hasn't worked out, although I might be doing it wrong since I am not an expert with python.

Re: How to select random points from an existing point feature layer AND assign a minimum distance for the random points?

DanPatterson — Fri, 15 May 2020 21:07:17 GMT

If you are using Pro

https://community.esri.com/people/danretired/blog/2020/05/15/point-tools-for-pro

there is a point creation tool the ensures a minimum point spacing

Re: How to select random points from an existing point feature layer AND assign a minimum distance for the random points?

AlexisChavez — Sat, 16 May 2020 01:16:06 GMT

Thanks, but I do not have access to Pro.

Re: How to select random points from an existing point feature layer AND assign a minimum distance for the random points?

JoshuaBixby — Sat, 16 May 2020 16:17:37 GMT

I am not completely clear what you are trying to do, i.e., is selecting random points still part of the effort or just finding closet points from selected points? Anyhow ArcMap has the Generate Near Table—Help | Documentation

Re: How to select random points from an existing point feature layer AND assign a minimum distance for the random points?

AlexisChavez — Thu, 21 May 2020 23:33:28 GMT

So for example, there are 50 point features in one area. From those 50 points I need to randomly select 20 of them. I can do that with the python script that I linked but I want to assign a minimum distance when getting the random sample.

Re: How to select random points from an existing point feature layer AND assign a minimum distance for the random points?

JoshuaBixby — Fri, 22 May 2020 01:53:12 GMT

I want to assign a minimum distance when getting the random sample.

Are you meaning a minimum distance between selected points? If so, it is more complex because it isn't really random anymore. You have to select each random point in sequence making sure it is at least a certain distance from all previously selected points.